Description
This Cajun Alfredo Sauce is a rich, creamy, and flavorful twist on classic Alfredo. It’s infused with Cajun spices for a touch of heat and zest, making it a perfect sauce for pasta, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought, see notes for homemade recipe)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (omit if your Cajun seasoning blend already contains salt)
- 1 3/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (see notes)
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional):
- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard (dry mustard powder)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat. Cook until the butter is melted and begins to froth (small white bubbles appear on the surface).
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. If your Cajun seasoning blend does not contain salt, add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook over low heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
- Add Lemon Zest: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and add more salt, if needed.
- Serve: Toss the Cajun Alfredo sauce immediately with cooked pasta, or serve it over grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
Notes
- Cajun Seasoning: You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own. If making your own, combine all the ingredients for the Homemade Cajun Seasoning in a small bowl and mix well. Store any leftover seasoning in an airtight container.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Do not use the powdery “Parmesan” from a can.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the homemade Cajun seasoning to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more heavy cream or a splash of pasta cooking water to thin it out.
- Serving Suggestions: Add cook proteins